UMBC's Intermedia and Digital Arts Master’s Program presents Not Grounded, the 2024 IMDA MFA Thesis Exhibition. Opening with a public reception on Thursday, April 4, from 5 to 7 p.m., the exhibition features four artists with diverse artistic practices and approaches: Elly Kalantari, Andrew Liang, Kristin Putchinski, and A. M. Zellhofer.

Elly Kalantari delves into the intricate realms of selfhood and transformation, crafting mixed-media sculptures and installations, reimagining forms and gestures that provocatively challenges perception and identity.

Andrew Liang presents Home New World, a self-portrait that delves into the transitional space of his 13-year-old self, having recently arrived in a new country.

Kristin Putchinski explores concepts of tension, transformation and release through a series of actions, performances and sculptures that utilize pianos as the primary object.

A. M. Zellhofer, a Baltimore-based printmaker and digital poet, investigates the experiential growth — both visible and invisible — that makes up the “dendrochronology of self.”

The exhibition will be the context for the artists’ thesis defenses, as well as the annual RTKL Lecture, a fellowship lecture made possible through the generosity of RTKL (Rogers Taliaferro, Kostritsky, & Lamb) Associates Incorporated. The goal of this merit-based award is to support an emerging artist of creative and scholarly excellence who has demonstrated a promise to make an impact on the field. This year’s recipient is Elly Kalantari.

Public Programs

Thursday, April 4, 5–7 p.m. — Opening reception

Wednesday, April 10, 9–11 a.m. — Kristin Putchinski thesis defense

Wednesday, April 17, 11–1 p.m. — Elly Kalantari thesis defense

Thursday, April 18, 11–1 p.m. — RTKL Lecture: Elly Kalantari

Tuesday, April 23, 3–5 p.m. — Andrew Liang thesis defense

Thursday, April 25, 11–1 p.m. — Ann Zellhofer thesis defense

Visitor Information

Admission to the exhibition and all public programs is free. The CADVC is open Wednesday and Thursday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Parking is free during evening and weekend hours, and metered parking is available other times. Please visit here for directions and parking information.

Visitors who need any specific accommodations should contact CADVC at [email protected] or 410-455-3188 as soon as possible.